Up to eight other holidaymakers from the UK have also been charged with offences relating to an incident at the Q nightclub in Faliraki which ended in Belfast-born Mr Doran's death.

Last night the Merseyside families said they had little idea what was happening on the island.

Only those parents who had spoken to their sons in the resort had even the vaguest idea of the events which took place.

Alan McLoughlin, whose son younger Danny remains in prison but elder son Ryan, 22, has been released, said: "I know they are our sons, but those lads are all good lads.

"We don't understand how they could have been caught up in this.

"There has been absolutely no information from the Foreign Office or the Consul on Rhodes.

"We have waited all day for news but nobody will tell us anything."

Mr Doran, who lived in Peterborough, was stabbed in the neck with a broken bottle during a fight in the Q Club.

Shirley Dunn, mother of Paul, added: "We're absolutely devastated for the family of this boy who has died.

"But we're also frightened for our sons, we want to know that they are being treated properly and that they have access to a solicitor and interpreter.

"I don't know if Paul has been charged, or what he has been charged with. I've spent all day on the phone, trying whoever I can to find out what happened, but nobody seems willing to help."

Three people, all related to the men, last night flew out to Rhodes, and the families hope more news will filter through today .

The Foreign Office has so far refused to name any of the men and under Greek law, the names of those charged and what they are charged with is not necessarily a matter of public record.

A spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that 18 men have appeared before a public prosecutor and all have been returned to custody.

"There will be no confirmation of names or charges because the court is not obliged to disclose that information.

"Consular staff met with them before a formal arrest had been made and offered consular assistance and details of English-speaking legal representatives; consular staff will continue to provide consular assistance."

Greek police said the victim became involved in a brawl with 10 other Britons in the early hours of Monday. One of the 10 used a broken beer bottle to stab him in the neck which cut his jugular vein.